Christmas and New Year’s gatherings were fairly calm for McLennan RCMP.
Sgt. Allan Paterson says police didn’t have any major problems with people at parties and gatherings and drinking and driving.
McLennan RCMP reported just one roadside suspension during the holiday season, he adds.
Constant cold temperatures around -20C – and colder – and snowy driving conditions over the month of December made travel challenging throughout northern Alberta.
“The detachment responded to 92 calls for service from Dec. 10 to Jan. 2,” Paterson says.
“This was due to the large snowfall accumulated over December.”
McLennan officers responded to an increased number of motor vehicle collisions, vehicles hitting the ditch, well-being checks of occupants inside those vehicles and crashes that resulted in injured wildlife, he says.
“The snowfall limited some access to non-essential roads,” Paterson says.
“The M.D. of Smoky River, Birch Hills County and highways crews did a remarkable job maintaining the roads, considering the accumulation of snow and winds over the month.”
He commended crews for their service to keep highways and main roads open and as safe as possible for motorists.
“Kudos to them for keeping people moving and ensuring access for emergency services if it was needed for response,” Paterson says.
While police reported an increase in vehicle collisions during the same time period over the previous year, no fatal crashes occurred in the McLennan detachment area.
Paterson reminds motorists to drive safely according to road and weather conditions, which keeps other drivers on the road safe.
He also advises people to protect their vehicles from being stolen when people warm them up in cold weather.
“We ask that drivers with remote-start vehicles do not leave their vehicle running, unlocked and with the keys inside,” Paterson says.
He thanks people who promptly report calls to police.
“McLennan RCMP appreciates the continued support of citizens calling in suspicious vehicles or activities and criminal situations,” Paterson says.
Richard Froese
South Peace News